Prognostic Factors for ACDF With BAK/C in Cervical Disc Disease

Impact of Prognostic Factors on Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With the Bagby and Kuslich (BAK/C) Technique: A Retrospective Cohort Study

This retrospective study aimed to identify predictive prognostic factors for treatment outcomes in patients with cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD). The study analyzed data from 80 patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the Bagby and Kuslich (BAK/C) technique. Patients were stratified into two groups based on clinical outcomes at a 3-year follow-up, and logistic regression was used to determine which factors, such as age and bone mineral density, were independent predictors of poor recovery.

Cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD) is a prevalent condition causing significant pain and neurological dysfunction. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) combined with the Bagby and Kuslich (BAK/C) interbody fusion technique is an established surgical treatment, but patient outcomes vary. This study was designed to address a gap in the literature by retrospectively analyzing both surgical and patient-related variables over a 3-year follow-up period to understand the factors influencing treatment success. A cohort of 80 patients treated between January and December 2020 was identified. Patients were divided into a "favorable outcome" group and a "poor outcome" group based on post-operative pain relief and neurological improvement (JOA score). The study's primary objective was to use multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors (e.g., age, bone mineral density, disease severity, postoperative complications) associated with poor outcomes. The findings aim to provide evidence-based insights to help optimize patient selection and treatment strategies for ACDF with BAK/C fusion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged ≥ 18, regardless of gender.
• Diagnosed with degenerative cervical intervertebral disc disease based on clinical and imaging findings.
• Significant pain and symptoms impacting quality of life, requiring surgery.
• Undergoing anterior decompression and BAK/C interbody fusion.
• Minimum 3-year follow-up data available.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Serious cervical conditions (e.g., fracture, infection, tumor).
• Previous cervical surgery or other treatments.
• Pregnant or lactating women.